Reply by OggieOglethorpe

The best shellac thinner has as little water in it as possible. Remember this when considering distilled spirits or rubbing alcohols. Most of them have water in varying quantities. I occasionally use lab grade 100% isoprophyl (rubbing) when spraying shellac in some conditions, as it dries more slowly than other alcohols.

Kerosene, or other petroleum products, will not work as shellac thinner, but they make great lubricants for sanding or rubbing out dry shellac.

Also keep in mind that brushes dedicated to shellac do not need to be cleaned with solvent. When you’re done brush them on scrap ‘till they dry and put them away. Next time, dunk them in fresh shellac for a few minutes, and they’re good to go.

Personally, if I didn’t use an anhydrous product sold to dissolve shellac, I’d not risk my work screwing around with any booze other than pure grain (Everclear) 180 proof alcohol.

If it’s that much of a pain to get the correct stuff, choose another finish.